I didn’t start watching RUclips decluttering videos until Covid lockdown because I was bored witless and just couldn’t look at it or ignore it anymore! It began with the dining room table and grew (slowly) until now I look around and realize I don’t really have anything to do but dust and vacuum before guests walk in……it’s the first time EVER that I’m not stressing about a gathering at my house. It’s one of the most amazing things for me🤣
I just wanted to tell the world that I started doing the dishes every day on August 13, 2020, and I'm never going back to letting them pile up. It has been wonderful! Why oh why didn't I start this sooner?
That's great! Congrats!!! I'm so proud of you! Even if you ever find yourself with an out of control dishes situation again (life happens), don't be discouraged. You will know that it is possible for you to gain control because you've done it. No matter how long you had control. No matter how long its out of control again. You will remember. And you will want that back. And you will eventually find your way back to always having the dishes done. I know. Been there, done that. Decluttering my kitchen has made it even easier to maintain. I wish I'd done that years ago. Maybe I could have avoided things ever getting out of control again. I have so few dishes, it's not a chore to keep them done...and I handwash. For anybody who hasn't decluttered their kitchen, seriously consider it. It has made my kitchen function so much better than before. There's something about having the dishes and the whole kitchen under control. It just makes a world of difference.
@@MelindaPlainandSimple I'm currently decluttering the kitchen and everything else. It's been a lifelong dream to really simplify myself, but the guilt has always derailed me in the past. This time I'm just forcing myself through. It does seem to get easier.
@@aromaofhope I am right there with you! I just yesterday decluttered a huge box full of papers and other stuff that's been contributing to my over-crowded disgusting garage. 😕 Dated items were from 1979!!! I think I must have thrown it all in the box and stuffed it in the attic, where it was quickly forgotten rather than brought back down and dealt with. I did that a lot over the years... When we moved, it all got moved too. 13 years later, I'm finally getting it done. There was even a box of Crayons in that box. Vintage now, I suppose. 😂 What matters is that we are finally doing what we've wanted to do all along. No shame. No blame. Getting better at this game!!! Thanks for checking out my channel too!!!
Isn’t it amazing how you feel when you change up your routine and although it is a task, life gets so much easier? I do the same thing with my laundry. I wash, dry and put away within the same day. I am also doing my dishes as I use them which I love. I live alone so it’s just me (and the cat, who refuses to get her paws wet) but I do meal prep and end up using more dishes on one or two days a week (plus after decluttering the kitchen, I only have one set of mixing bowls and fewer utensils). Love it!
One idea- if you have guests for multiple days- consider crockpot meals for some of them where you can just throw it all in there and forget it about, then enjoy your day with your guests without worry about dinner or lunch. Delegation is GREAT suggestion! Don't be afraid to take some of the weight of hosting off your shoulders.
Might I suggest going through the pantry first? It makes more sense to meal plan from what you have, because then you're using what's in your freezer and pantry. Picking meals out of thin air is how you end up with expired food in the pantry!
Love this! I always wondered why my mom always did this kinda thing when she was having guests over. For a big dinner she would even pull the serving bowls and dishes out and put a post it in them with what was gonna be served in them. Visual!!
Yep, do this all the time. So helpful. You don't end up with your beautiful delicious salad forgotten and still in the refrigerator AFTER your guests leave! It's such a relief to have serving pieces out and labeled ahead of time. Brain can relax.
When I'm invited to a party, I always show up hours early, with an apron on, and say put me to work. The hostess says "I got this under control" then I ask to take out the trash.... It's amazing how someone else just taking out the trash is such a relief! By the time guests arrive, the hostess is hugging me saying that "I couldn't have done it without you!" Then I always stay after and wash dishes. Moral of the story, accept help! Even a world famous chef has sous chefs to chop and measure and prep!
It is very easy to fall into the "I can do everything myself" trap. You do become resentful...been there, done that. Realizing your guests feel more included and a part of the celebration if they contribute. Let them contribute.
What can I say...the house looks so beautifully warm and cozy! You've all done such a beautiful job with this year's tree! Oh! And that hot cocoa bar you made (in a future video) is amazing; all the mugs! All the go-withs!!! I love it!❤😊Travis is doing a great job on the house. You are lucky to have him. And he's lucky to have you too!
I have a pack of papers from my Grandmother where she did this. Granted, it was probably in the 60s or 70s, but number of people, recipes, all of it, tidy and in one place.
Why is it so much easier to do my dishes when you tell me to? :) I don't let my dishes pile up, but I do drag my feet because it is one of my least favorite chores. (Give me a vacuum and I am a happy clam.) You tell me to do them and I pop right up and get them done. I swear you have a magic wand hidden up your sleeve. I almost didn't watch the video because I will not be planning the meals for our holidays but I had to get my daily dose of Dana for a limited time! And Reid, your comments are the best part of my day.
Dana you changed my life! I saw therapists and they couldn’t help me. I bought your book and YOU changed my life. I am so grateful to you, and now your RUclips videos are continuing to help me. I thank you forever. Also, your sense of humor is fantastic 😃
Thank you for this! No matter when I have company, I have to tear my house apart! I am a crazy woman for days! You are calming me down and focusing my mind! Thank you! I am binge watching to catch up but will start tomorrow. I have been working towards "company" coming but this will help me get to those rooms before they are pulling in the driveway!
Our family does that for holidays. We all talk and figure out a menu and who is bringing what like I bring corn casserole, devilled eggs and a dessert or 2 or so lol And I bring frozen pizzas for my kids who have special needs and my sisters son as well. They don't want to eat what we are having and that's fine. No need to upset the whole day over that. Just let them eat pizza and get out of the way and let me get to my eggs lol
Love watching! I've spent the whole summer watching you and decluttering, so now I can watch your videos and think "ahh, I've already done that." (Who doesn't love doing that, right?) I think its called enjoying the fruits of your labor. 😁😁😁 My mission now is to maintain. Love the meal planning idea. Gotta start on that.
If I have the time, rather than cleaning more or cooking more, I need to focus on self-care. Take a walk, take a nap, do something fun... Otherwise, I'll be resentful & angry. Not fun. :-) Thank you so much for these videos!
Thank you SO MUCH for doing this excellent series right exactly when it is needed most! I am super grateful for the real content, even the corrections to the content because it is all about truth. My life grows better with each new video you bring us. All blessings to you and Reid and your entire family for blessing ours!
Love this idea! I have always just planned the "big" meal and bought a bunch of other food. We always end up going out, or the grown kids take over for several meals. I end up with a fridge full of, quasi planned, meal ingredients! Then...the leftovers are added and the guests leave. Now, I am left with a fridge that you need packing skills to get a jar of pickles out of! Everything goes bad and the guilt gains momentum. I'll avoid the fridge until everything is well passed expiration and can go into the trash. My heart hurts, at one memory in particular when we all got the flu. I've learned to not plan a meal or two. Let the guests help with the leftovers while they are there! They probably want another serving of aunt so in sos special pasta dish. I cook for my "planned overs" as well. I will also task hubby to do a breakfast or 2 if necessary (I didn't know that he could do this until about year 15!) At my stage of life I'd prefer to go somewhere else and bring a dish or 2 but it used to be at my house for every occasion.
I used to cook everything...all the things that everyone liked ...This year I asked for help in advance...I had to give up control over how some will make their sides...LOL
I sent out a FB event for our Super Simple Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. We are making a Turkey, bread, and pumpkin pie. I asked guests to pick a simple side to bring. It will be a great day with family. No need for the stress!
I have the answer to everything! Move into a 180sqft tiny house that can be totally cleaned top to bottom in less than 1 hour and there’s no room for company to visit and become vegan so you don’t cook anymore! Lol! Obviously it’s not for everyone but I’m so happy! I still love and watch every video that you do because you are fun to watch!
I like the idea of planning meals early on so we have time to eat out of/empty out our fridges, freezers, and pantries -- cause we're going to need that space for all the extra food for the guests. PS: That shirt color is perfect on you -- it really highlights your beautiful baby blues.
I never used to watch the credits but now I always watch yours!! love your books and videos and I recommend them to all my friends who are downsizing and decluttering because they are the best!
We are in Australia, so not doing this for Thanksgiving, but Mum has been encouraged to do this 14 day set x3 in time for Christmas. I'm doing it in the 14 days. It's awesome to see ways it can be done slightly differently to fit the specific timeline and where the individuals home and life is at in that season.
Yes on delegating! My sisters -in-law started this years ago and all are happy to bring food. And we help with at least some of the clean up no matter who is hosting. Thank you !
Such a great video and series. Such a great way to get outhouse ready for the two of us and have a special meal despite not being able to be with family again this year. This helps make it special despite that and will help me practice for next year. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. A quick and easy breakfast… an assortment of those instant grits and oatmeal packets, packets of mini muffins, and some fresh scrambled eggs! If you have an air fryer you can cut bacon pieces in half and cook a pound of bacon ahead of time… freeze and thaw it over night to heat the next morning. I always sit my bowls out the night before a big meal with notes inside of what will be in them.
When you tell us to do the five minute pick up, you should just say, “Alexa, set a five minute timer.” Then we’ll all have to to decide, do we clean now or tell Alexa to stop? This is not my idea; Clutterbug Cass started everyone’s timers on her video this week.
I get the veggie lasagna which is phenomenal and so easy or pre-made sliced roastbeef from a specialty deli or frozen meatballs for sandwiches etc because I can heat it in crockpot it's so fast and easy and everyone loves it....warning...if your one guest cancels last minute but you've already made the veggie lasagna....you might eat the whole thing by yourself over like....the next 3 days and literally will be packing a whole party platter on your @$$ like what happened to me last Easter when my sons father bailed last minute so we didn't fight in front of the kids....all because he wants another baby 🙄 when we haven't been together for the last 4 years. Lolololol it's actually kinda funny now....but yeah. It's was great comfort food. 😆🤯🙃
This year is a particularly difficult struggle because a cousin's girlfriend is vegan. Won't even have anything that eggs are cooked into. Nothing that has dairy in it... She'll be staying at my house for a week and I don't know what to feed her!!
Ask her what she usually eats. Tell her what you are making for everyone else and ask how to modify it to suit her. You have access to the internet, search “vegan recipes” and make at least two. She will probably appreciate your effort (even if she doesn’t love the dishes) and you will expand your cooking repertoire- win/win!
I also have a restricted diet for health reasons. I always plan my own food. Maybe suggest a grocery stop after picking her up? She can choose what she needs and you will feel good not having to wonder if what you have is appropriate. When I travel we always stop for groceries after we leave the airport.
Can Reid just walk into frame and say 'Hi' sometime? His comments are hilarious 🤣
I love how he comments in the credits!
I didn’t start watching RUclips decluttering videos until Covid lockdown because I was bored witless and just couldn’t look at it or ignore it anymore! It began with the dining room table and grew (slowly) until now I look around and realize I don’t really have anything to do but dust and vacuum before guests walk in……it’s the first time EVER that I’m not stressing about a gathering at my house. It’s one of the most amazing things for me🤣
I love to entertain and cook and I've used all these tips. It's so helpful. One tip...make simple meals and never, never, try a new recipe.
I just wanted to tell the world that I started doing the dishes every day on August 13, 2020, and I'm never going back to letting them pile up. It has been wonderful! Why oh why didn't I start this sooner?
I still get anxiety just thinking about the holidays 🙃 thank you for all your help 🙏
That's great! Congrats!!! I'm so proud of you!
Even if you ever find yourself with an out of control dishes situation again (life happens), don't be discouraged. You will know that it is possible for you to gain control because you've done it. No matter how long you had control. No matter how long its out of control again. You will remember. And you will want that back. And you will eventually find your way back to always having the dishes done. I know. Been there, done that.
Decluttering my kitchen has made it even easier to maintain. I wish I'd done that years ago. Maybe I could have avoided things ever getting out of control again. I have so few dishes, it's not a chore to keep them done...and I handwash.
For anybody who hasn't decluttered their kitchen, seriously consider it. It has made my kitchen function so much better than before.
There's something about having the dishes and the whole kitchen under control. It just makes a world of difference.
@@MelindaPlainandSimple I'm currently decluttering the kitchen and everything else. It's been a lifelong dream to really simplify myself, but the guilt has always derailed me in the past. This time I'm just forcing myself through. It does seem to get easier.
@@aromaofhope I am right there with you! I just yesterday decluttered a huge box full of papers and other stuff that's been contributing to my over-crowded disgusting garage. 😕 Dated items were from 1979!!! I think I must have thrown it all in the box and stuffed it in the attic, where it was quickly forgotten rather than brought back down and dealt with. I did that a lot over the years... When we moved, it all got moved too. 13 years later, I'm finally getting it done. There was even a box of Crayons in that box. Vintage now, I suppose. 😂 What matters is that we are finally doing what we've wanted to do all along. No shame. No blame. Getting better at this game!!!
Thanks for checking out my channel too!!!
Isn’t it amazing how you feel when you change up your routine and although it is a task, life gets so much easier? I do the same thing with my laundry. I wash, dry and put away within the same day. I am also doing my dishes as I use them which I love. I live alone so it’s just me (and the cat, who refuses to get her paws wet) but I do meal prep and end up using more dishes on one or two days a week (plus after decluttering the kitchen, I only have one set of mixing bowls and fewer utensils). Love it!
One idea- if you have guests for multiple days- consider crockpot meals for some of them where you can just throw it all in there and forget it about, then enjoy your day with your guests without worry about dinner or lunch. Delegation is GREAT suggestion! Don't be afraid to take some of the weight of hosting off your shoulders.
I thought that was part of the name: Hi! I’m Dana K. White Do the Dishes. 😆
Might I suggest going through the pantry first? It makes more sense to meal plan from what you have, because then you're using what's in your freezer and pantry. Picking meals out of thin air is how you end up with expired food in the pantry!
Thanks Dana!
Dana , thanks for doing this series, I love it.
Yes Reid, she did forget to say “do the dishes!“ now wonder how many people, didn’t do the dishes,😂
Love this! I always wondered why my mom always did this kinda thing when she was having guests over. For a big dinner she would even pull the serving bowls and dishes out and put a post it in them with what was gonna be served in them. Visual!!
Great idea
Yep, do this all the time. So helpful. You don't end up with your beautiful delicious salad forgotten and still in the refrigerator AFTER your guests leave! It's such a relief to have serving pieces out and labeled ahead of time. Brain can relax.
I do this!
I love the “banter” with your son!
Dana and Reid rolling credits about doing the dishes, was funnier than Dana remembering to say it! Love it! 😂
When I'm invited to a party, I always show up hours early, with an apron on, and say put me to work. The hostess says "I got this under control" then I ask to take out the trash....
It's amazing how someone else just taking out the trash is such a relief!
By the time guests arrive, the hostess is hugging me saying that "I couldn't have done it without you!"
Then I always stay after and wash dishes.
Moral of the story, accept help!
Even a world famous chef has sous chefs to chop and measure and prep!
Dana, that blue shirt makes your beautiful blue eyes pop! 😍 I could not stop staring into them! 😅
Love your work! ❤️
It is very easy to fall into the "I can do everything myself" trap. You do become resentful...been there, done that. Realizing your guests feel more included and a part of the celebration if they contribute. Let them contribute.
What can I say...the house looks so beautifully warm and cozy! You've all done such a beautiful job with this year's tree! Oh! And that hot cocoa bar you made (in a future video) is amazing; all the mugs! All the go-withs!!! I love it!❤😊Travis is doing a great job on the house. You are lucky to have him. And he's lucky to have you too!
I have a pack of papers from my Grandmother where she did this. Granted, it was probably in the 60s or 70s, but number of people, recipes, all of it, tidy and in one place.
I did my dishes before watching today!! XD
I love the idea of delegating who brings what. Many hands make light work! Great video, Dana!
Why is it so much easier to do my dishes when you tell me to? :) I don't let my dishes pile up, but I do drag my feet because it is one of my least favorite chores. (Give me a vacuum and I am a happy clam.) You tell me to do them and I pop right up and get them done. I swear you have a magic wand hidden up your sleeve. I almost didn't watch the video because I will not be planning the meals for our holidays but I had to get my daily dose of Dana for a limited time! And Reid, your comments are the best part of my day.
Dana you changed my life! I saw therapists and they couldn’t help me. I bought your book and YOU changed my life. I am so grateful to you, and now your RUclips videos are continuing to help me. I thank you forever. Also, your sense of humor is fantastic 😃
Thank you for this! No matter when I have company, I have to tear my house apart! I am a crazy woman for days! You are calming me down and focusing my mind! Thank you! I am binge watching to catch up but will start tomorrow. I have been working towards "company" coming but this will help me get to those rooms before they are pulling in the driveway!
Our family does that for holidays. We all talk and figure out a menu and who is bringing what like I bring corn casserole, devilled eggs and a dessert or 2 or so lol
And I bring frozen pizzas for my kids who have special needs and my sisters son as well. They don't want to eat what we are having and that's fine. No need to upset the whole day over that. Just let them eat pizza and get out of the way and let me get to my eggs lol
Love watching! I've spent the whole summer watching you and decluttering, so now I can watch your videos and think "ahh, I've already done that." (Who doesn't love doing that, right?) I think its called enjoying the fruits of your labor. 😁😁😁 My mission now is to maintain.
Love the meal planning idea. Gotta start on that.
If I have the time, rather than cleaning more or cooking more, I need to focus on self-care. Take a walk, take a nap, do something fun... Otherwise, I'll be resentful & angry. Not fun. :-) Thank you so much for these videos!
Reid, you crack me up!!
Dana, thank you for all you do!!! My home is much more peaceful now.
I’m guilty of “ every body over there , there’s clutter in background !”yep that’s me 😂👍
Yep, been there, done that! Lol.
Thanks for walking us thru this step by step. It's so hard to comprehend when our house is a mess.
Thank you SO MUCH for doing this excellent series right exactly when it is needed most! I am super grateful for the real content, even the corrections to the content because it is all about truth. My life grows better with each new video you bring us. All blessings to you and Reid and your entire family for blessing ours!
This holiday is going to be so much better. Thank you for helping me stay focused on the most important things to do.
Love this idea! I have always just planned the "big" meal and bought a bunch of other food. We always end up going out, or the grown kids take over for several meals. I end up with a fridge full of, quasi planned, meal ingredients! Then...the leftovers are added and the guests leave. Now, I am left with a fridge that you need packing skills to get a jar of pickles out of! Everything goes bad and the guilt gains momentum. I'll avoid the fridge until everything is well passed expiration and can go into the trash. My heart hurts, at one memory in particular when we all got the flu. I've learned to not plan a meal or two. Let the guests help with the leftovers while they are there! They probably want another serving of aunt so in sos special pasta dish. I cook for my "planned overs" as well. I will also task hubby to do a breakfast or 2 if necessary (I didn't know that he could do this until about year 15!) At my stage of life I'd prefer to go somewhere else and bring a dish or 2 but it used to be at my house for every occasion.
I didn't know I wasn't the only one who ignores spoiling food until it's well past expiration and then throws it away
I used to cook everything...all the things that everyone liked ...This year I asked for help in advance...I had to give up control over how some will make their sides...LOL
Yep, and some things they cook they kill me with too much spice and too much salt. I'm talking nausea and high blood pressure.
I sent out a FB event for our Super Simple Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. We are making a Turkey, bread, and pumpkin pie. I asked guests to pick a simple side to bring. It will be a great day with family. No need for the stress!
That shirt color makes your eyes pop.
I have the answer to everything! Move into a 180sqft tiny house that can be totally cleaned top to bottom in less than 1 hour and there’s no room for company to visit and become vegan so you don’t cook anymore! Lol! Obviously it’s not for everyone but I’m so happy! I still love and watch every video that you do because you are fun to watch!
You will own nothing and you will be happy. No thanks.
Great ideas. I never have 3 meals a day. I have food available and yet not a planned 3 per day.
DO THE DISHES, EVERYBODY! ;)
Such good info! Thank you for your hard work and for sharing!
I like the idea of planning meals early on so we have time to eat out of/empty out our fridges, freezers, and pantries -- cause we're going to need that space for all the extra food for the guests.
PS: That shirt color is perfect on you -- it really highlights your beautiful baby blues.
I never used to watch the credits but now I always watch yours!! love your books and videos and I recommend them to all my friends who are downsizing and decluttering because they are the best!
Just thankyou again.
This has been so helpful! Thank you, Dana.
Loving these, thank you. Doing it 'with' my mum who lives several days drive away.
We are in Australia, so not doing this for Thanksgiving, but Mum has been encouraged to do this 14 day set x3 in time for Christmas. I'm doing it in the 14 days. It's awesome to see ways it can be done slightly differently to fit the specific timeline and where the individuals home and life is at in that season.
Yes on delegating! My sisters -in-law started this years ago and all are happy to bring food. And we help with at least some of the clean up no matter who is hosting. Thank you !
Thank you for these videos for my “project” 😉
Love your thinking Dana! Keep up the excellent work 👏 for those of us who don't think like the rest!🤔
Such a great video and series. Such a great way to get outhouse ready for the two of us and have a special meal despite not being able to be with family again this year. This helps make it special despite that and will help me practice for next year.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
What special things do you do to get your outhouse ready?
I don’t think you meant to say “outhouse” but that made me LOL 😂
I want your earrings!!!! Beautiful!!!!
Thank you. A quick and easy breakfast… an assortment of those instant grits and oatmeal packets, packets of mini muffins, and some fresh scrambled eggs! If you have an air fryer you can cut bacon pieces in half and cook a pound of bacon ahead of time… freeze and thaw it over night to heat the next morning. I always sit my bowls out the night before a big meal with notes inside of what will be in them.
Things are really coming along. Thank you.
I think you are currently just changing my entire life... like....thank you?? 😅
I am so enjoying this! thanks so much for providing the outline and advice. I found you from Dawn's show.
When you tell us to do the five minute pick up, you should just say, “Alexa, set a five minute timer.” Then we’ll all have to to decide, do we clean now or tell Alexa to stop? This is not my idea; Clutterbug Cass started everyone’s timers on her video this week.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
That video by Cass was hilarious. I don't have an Alexa but I was like, "I bet she just set off ALL the Alexas." 😂
Great advice!
Thank you!
I love your videos and audio book. ❤
You do look younger; decluttering must be good for you!
Guests don’t want fancy meals if it means the host/hostess is stressed out over the event. Keep it simple & familiar!
Reid needs an increase in pay. Just sayin.
I get the veggie lasagna which is phenomenal and so easy or pre-made sliced roastbeef from a specialty deli or frozen meatballs for sandwiches etc because I can heat it in crockpot it's so fast and easy and everyone loves it....warning...if your one guest cancels last minute but you've already made the veggie lasagna....you might eat the whole thing by yourself over like....the next 3 days and literally will be packing a whole party platter on your @$$ like what happened to me last Easter when my sons father bailed last minute so we didn't fight in front of the kids....all because he wants another baby 🙄 when we haven't been together for the last 4 years. Lolololol it's actually kinda funny now....but yeah. It's was great comfort food. 😆🤯🙃
💖
This year is a particularly difficult struggle because a cousin's girlfriend is vegan. Won't even have anything that eggs are cooked into. Nothing that has dairy in it...
She'll be staying at my house for a week and I don't know what to feed her!!
Perhaps needs to bring most of her own meals\food!
I’m sure some of this community will have some good suggestions!
She's coming by train so bringing her own isn't practical. She also won't have honey, which interferes with some of the recipes I'm looking up.
Ask her what she usually eats. Tell her what you are making for everyone else and ask how to modify it to suit her. You have access to the internet, search “vegan recipes” and make at least two. She will probably appreciate your effort (even if she doesn’t love the dishes) and you will expand your cooking repertoire- win/win!
I also have a restricted diet for health reasons. I always plan my own food. Maybe suggest a grocery stop after picking her up? She can choose what she needs and you will feel good not having to wonder if what you have is appropriate. When I travel we always stop for groceries after we leave the airport.
👍👍👍🧡
Incoming guests make me want to hyperventilate...
😢
I love my family but my anxiety goes through the roof.